Blackdown Tableland National Park, Brisbane

Rising abruptly above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with gorges and waterfalls at the north-eastern edge of the central Queensland sandstone belt.
Woodlands, tall open forests and heath cover the tableland, providing a home for a variety of plants and animals, several found nowhere else, such as the Blackdown stringybark, a macrozamia, red bottlebrush, the Blackdown monster (a type of underground cricket), and a Christmas beetle.
Ferns grow around creeks and gorges. The sheer-drop waterfall at Stony Creek Gorge is dry most of the year.
This is the traditional home of the Ghungalu people who have visited this place for thousands of years and left behind rock art, vivid reminders of their special culture.
The park also contains interesting relics of the parks grazing past. Forest reserve surrounds the park.
Things to do: Stop and enjoy the view over the surrounding grazing lands from Horseshoe Lookout. Read the displays to help you plan your visit.
Discover Aboriginal culture and see the stencil art along the Mimosa Creek cultural trail. Fit walkers can walk through open forest to a spectacular gorge at the bottom of Rainbow Falls. Cool off in the rockpool. Be prepared for a steep climb back.
Go for a scenic four-wheel-drive around the Loop Road (19km, 115 hours) in dry weather. See dry open woodland with magnificent sandstone outcrops sheltering king orchids and basket ferns. Stop at Charlevue Lookout for great views over the brigalow belt.
Walking tracks take you to heritage sites, creeks and lookouts. Wear a hat and sunscreen and carry water. Talk to the ranger about possible overnight hikes. Register and pay camping fees before undertaking overnight hikes.